Structured Literacy and Neurodivergent Learners: What the Latest Research Really Tells Us

Jennifer Kellie
3 days ago
3 min read

Supporting children who struggle with reading, writing, or spelling—especially those who are neurodivergent or learning English as an additional language—can feel overwhelming. With so much new research emerging, it’s important to understand not only what each study says but how these findings fit together to shape effective teaching and tutoring practices.

In this post, we’ll explore the key insights from the latest research on structured literacy and neurodiversity, highlighting where experts agree, where their views differ, and what this means for your child’s learning journey here in New Zealand.

What the Research Agrees On

One thing is clear: structured literacy works. Across multiple studies and reports, explicit and systematic instruction in reading and writing consistently benefits most learners, including neurodivergent students and those learning multiple languages. This approach focuses on teaching the building blocks of literacy—phonics, spelling patterns, vocabulary, and comprehension—in a clear, step-by-step way.

But it’s not just about following a rigid programme. The research strongly emphasises that personalisation is essential. A one-size-fits-all method leaves many children behind, especially those with unique learning profiles. Instead, instruction needs to be tailored to each child’s strengths, challenges, and interests.

Another shared theme is the power of multisensory and flexible teaching approaches. Neurodivergent learners often benefit from lessons that engage multiple senses—using visuals, movement, and hands-on activities—along with flexible pacing and varied materials. This helps make learning accessible and enjoyable.

Finally, the research highlights the importance of listening to families and students. Building strong relationships and involving parents and learners in the process leads to better outcomes and greater confidence.

Where the Research Offers Different Perspectives

While there is broad agreement on many points, some areas spark healthy debate.

For example, some research warns against focusing too heavily on phonics at the expense of oral language development and cultural context—especially for children learning English as an additional language. The best approach balances phonics with rich oral language activities and comprehension strategies.

Another important nuance is that while structured literacy is highly effective for many neurodivergent learners, it is not a magic bullet for all. Some reports caution that rigid application without adaptation can leave certain students behind. This reinforces the need for ongoing assessment and flexible, personalised teaching.

Finally, differences arise around policy and implementation. Reports from the UK and New Zealand point out that despite strong policies supporting literacy and inclusion, gaps remain in how these are delivered in classrooms—particularly in writing instruction and support for neurodivergent students. This means families and educators need to be proactive advocates for quality and inclusivity.

What This Means for New Zealand Families and Schools

New Zealand stands out in several ways. We have locally developed programmes, such as the Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA), specifically designed for our unique classrooms and cultures, and these have shown promising results for struggling learners.

There is also a growing national focus on genuine inclusion—not just policy statements but real changes in teaching practice that honour each child’s culture, language, and learning needs.

For families, this means that structured literacy, when combined with personalised, culturally responsive, and multisensory teaching, offers the best chance for success.

Practical Takeaways for Parents and Educators

Structured literacy is a powerful foundation but must be adapted to fit your child’s unique needs.
Multisensory, flexible, and culturally responsive teaching methods are especially effective for neurodivergent and multilingual learners.
Collaboration between families, students, and educators is key to creating supportive learning environments.
Ask questions and advocate for personalised approaches and accommodations that truly meet your child’s needs.

Our Commitment to You

At our tutoring centre, we stay informed by the latest research and continuously adapt our teaching to reflect these insights. We personalise every lesson, use multisensory strategies, and build strong relationships with students and families. Our goal is to provide the support your child needs to thrive—not just academically, but in confidence and love of learning.

If you’re interested in learning more or want personalised advice for your child, please get in touch. Together, we can make literacy an achievable and enjoyable journey.

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